What if we could revolutionize the future of medicine through the use of genomic data? The Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genomic Data Analytics (MSGDA) program at Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) in Claremont, CA, prepares students for the exciting field of genomic data analytics through a unique combination of foundational coursework in human genetics, cutting-edge courses in the applied life sciences, and an innovative human genomics curriculum. This unique program gives students an opportunity to work side-by-side with future genetic counselors and applied life scientists while gaining hands-on experience with the technologies and information that are revolutionizing the future of medicine.

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Program Quick Facts

Fact
Details
Program length
It takes four semesters (two years) to complete the MSGDA program.
Full or part-time program
The MSGDA program is a full-time program with classes during the day.
Online or in-person classes
All classes are done in-person.
Program concentrations
There are three MSGDA concentrations depending on student interest.
Summer internship
Students will complete a summer internship between years 1 and 2.
Capstone requirements
The second year concludes with a capstone industry-sponsored project or research thesis

MSGDA Program Details

  • In KGI’s first-of-its-kind program, you will gain real industry experience with a hands-on project at a genomics company or clinical lab. Within our School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, you will work side-by-side with future genetic counselors and applied life scientists. You will be able to translate patient sequencing data into clinical recommendations and bridge the gap between research scientists and clinical practitioners. Learn more about what to expect.

  • Students in the MSGDA program are required to take a minimum of 65.5 credits over the course of two years of study. The coursework is comprised of required courses, elective courses, and a capstone project. Students are required to declare a concentration by May 1 and will begin taking electives in their 2nd year. Students will also complete a summer internship between years 1 and 2. Learn more.

  • There are three MSGDA concentrations depending on student interest:

    1. Clinical decision support
    2. Clinical trial design
    3. Assay development

    All three concentrations prepare students for a variety of roles in not just the genomics industry, but also academia, pharmacogenomics, and more. Learn more.

  • Where Can Your MSGDA Degree Take You?

    Here are the top occupations for KGI graduates from the MSGDA program:

    • Variant curator / Clinical variant scientist
    • Clinical genomics scientist
    • Genomic data scientist
    • Research scientist

  • Recent college graduates or those currently employed who are interested in:

    • Personalized or precision medicine
    • Drug development using genetics and genomics
    • Development of new genetic or genomic tests
    • Development of direct-to-consumer genomic tests or products
    • Using big data to advance health
    • Making a career change to advance

KGI Celebrates 2021-2022 Accomplishments During Awards and Recognition Ceremonies

In celebration of KGI’s accomplishments during the 2021-2022 academic year, the Henry E. Riggs School of Applied Life Sciences (Riggs School) and School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (SPHS) hosted award receptions and ceremonies on...
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MSGDA Student Laurel Anderson Works with City of Hope to Precisely Track Progress of Leukemia Patients Using Computational Biology

Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) student Laurel Anderson, MSGDA '22, is working in collaboration with City of Hope’s Department of Computational and Quantitative Medicine (Division of Mathematical Oncology) to develop a more precise method for tracking...
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KGI MSGDA Students Win Tech Policy Hackathon with Their Proposal for a Genetic Ethics Advisory Committee

Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) student Anna Capria, MSGDA '23, along with a team of classmates in the Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genomic Data Analytics (MSGDA) program and one Caltech student, was recently...
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KGI Launches Certificate in Applied Genomics to Train Life Sciences Professionals in the Latest Genomics Developments

The life sciences technology industry is undergoing a sea change as advances in genomics technology are rapidly moving from the research lab into clinical settings and drug development. Genome sequencing over the past few years...
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Program Leadership

Barbara Kraatz Fortini, PhD

MSGDA Program Director
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Barbara Bailus, PhD

Assistant Professor of Genetics
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Day in the Life of an MSGDA Student

"My decision to come to KGI was heavily influenced by the close-knit, supportive community that is clearly present among the staff and students. In pursuing genetics and genomic data analytics, I seek a career in an exciting field where discoveries are constantly being made and where I hope to be a part of the clinical workspace and on a broader level, positively impact human health. "
Rhea Kerawala
KGI Student
MS in Human Genetics and Genomic Data Analytics, '22

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